Last year, we were approached to sign an advertorial that openly stated concern about mining development in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Why? At the time, 6 reasons really: So we could help protect the world’s greatest fishery for Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, Chum, and Trophy Rainbow. As we learned more about the issue, it became apparent that now is the time to help broaden the reach of public awareness efforts already in place, and to inform our customers of the threat. Northern Dynasty Mines Inc., a multinational mining company, is currently conducting a deep drilling program to further explore the Pebble East Deposit. They are planning on building the largest open pit and hard rock mine in North America at the headwaters of Bristol Bay.
If the copper, gold and molybdenum mine called Pebble Mine is constructed, it will produce three billion tons of waste over its 30 – 60 year life, and will compromise a viable renewable resource in favor of a non-renewable resource.
In addition to the toxic threat to the ecosystem, the landscape of this region will be transformed drastically. A 100-mile road will cut across the region to the Cook Inlet and at least five massive earthen dams will be built as tailing ponds (holding areas for toxic waste) on the North and South fork of the Koktuli River at the headwaters of the Bristol Bay. Eventually, one dam will be over 4 miles long and 740 feet high. Another will be 2.9 miles long and 700 feet high. These are larger than the Hoover and Grand Coulee dams and dwarf the world’s largest dam – the Three Gorges in China - which is 1.4 miles long and 607 feet high. It is also worth stressing that these are earthen dams, not concrete like the others. In an area along the Pacific Rim, in one of the most seismically active regions in Alaska, the integrity of the dams are in question.
We Heart Wild Salmon.
We have joined forces with two of the most recognized companies in the fly-fishing industry, Sage and Rio Products International to donate over $10,000 to a new film project by Felt Soul Media, an award-winning documentary team.
In addition to sponsoring this documentary, we have also teamed up to release a very special Ready-To-Fish Outfit, as a fundraiser for Bristol Bay. The Limited Edition outfit will come with a Sage Z-Axis 9-foot 8-weight rod and a Redington moss-colored CD 7/8 reel pre-spooled with RIO Gold fly line. Only 300 of these outfits will be available. A case will also be included, which will be embroidered with a unique graphical slogan, “More Precious Than Gold – Save Bristol Bay”.
Purchased separately, this outfit would retail for more than $875. The retail price on this special outfit is $600. From every outfit purchased, we will be donating $200. The outfit package, of which only 300 will be made, will be available to purchase directly from Sage, through Redington.com. At the time of purchase, you will have the opportunity to make an additional donation if you wish - we encourage you to match our donation! Everyone who places an order with a matched donation will have their name listed in press releases, on Redington.com, Sageflyfish.com, and the Trout Unlimited official site. Preorders will be taken on this special outfit starting January 3, 2008.
Red Gold - A Voice For Our Industry and For Others.
As a cutting-edge producer of fly fishing films, Felt Soul Media is uniquely positioned to bring the magic of Bristol Bay to light in Red Gold. Using the momentum and experience gained in the making of their initial films, The Hatch (Winner Best Documentary Gotham Film Festival 2005, Finalist in the Banff & Telluride Mountain Film Festivals 2005) and Running Down the Man (Winner Best Film at The Drake magazine’s Fly Fishing Film Festival 2006, Finalist Taos Mountain Film Festival 2006), Felt Soul Media is poised to create a profound and moving film. It is due to release this Spring.
Check out the trailer of the movie here. It takes about 3 minutes.
Learn More
We encourage you learn more about this issue and to take action. Luckily, there is a wealth of information online for you to browse.
Save Bristol Bay - Trout Unlimited Alaska's official Brostol Bay Campaign site
Another short informative video by Assignment Earth
How You Can Help.
Speak Up! Tell the Bureau of Land Management and the State of Alaska, we don't want a mining district in Bristol Bay. Click here to email the Governor of Alaska. Click here to email the BLM.
Precious Than Gold – Save Bristol Bay”. 
